Pierre L.-J. Ritchie

A Cube Model for Competency Development: Implications for Psychology Educators and Regulators

This article provides a conceptual framework for training in professional psychology focused on the construct of competency. The authors present a 3-dimensional competency model delineating the domains of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that serve as the foundation required of all psychologists, the domains of functional competencies that broadly define what psychologists do, and the stages of professional development from doctoral education to lifelong learning through continuing education. The goal in presenting this model is to provide a conceptual frame of reference for those responsible for psychology education, credentialing, and regulation.

Psychologists’ perspectives on the diagnostic classification of mental disorders: Results from the WHO-IUPsyS Global Survey

This study examined psychologists’ views and practices regarding diagnostic classification systems for mental and behavioral disorders so as to inform the development of the ICD-11 by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO and the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) conducted a multilingual survey of 2155 psychologists from 23 countries, recruited through their national psychological associations. Sixty percent of global psychologists routinely used a formal classification system, with ICD-10 used most frequently by 51% and DSM-IV by 44%. Psychologists viewed informing treatment decisions and facilitating communication as the most important purposes of classification, and preferred flexible diagnostic guidelines to strict criteria. Clinicians favorably evaluated most diagnostic categories, but identified a number of problematic diagnoses. Substantial percentages reported problems with crosscultural applicability and cultural bias, especially among psychologists outside the USA and Europe. Findings underscore the priority of clinical utility and professional and cultural differences in international psychology. Implications for ICD-11 development and dissemination are discussed.

Mental health services in a single-payer system: lessons from Canada and principles for an American plan

The authors review the advantages of financing mental health care in the U.S. along the lines of the Canadian single-payer system and argue that the pillars of the Canadian system - accessibility, comprehensiveness, portability, public administration, and universality - are standards a restructured U.S. system could achieve. The merits of inlcuding mental health coverage in a basic benefits package are also discussed.

Sous un Měme Toit: Canada's Functional-Structural Approach to the Unity of Psychology

Abstract Among the factors which may be useful to an assessment of unity/diversity, several are germane to the historic and contemporary evolution of psychology in Canada. Culture-based variables, economic and political factors, and the emergence of clearly scientific and professional streams are all pertinent to Canadian psychology. Within this context, Rosenzweigs (this issue) conceptualization of internal/external unifying/diversifying forces facilitates a better understanding of the realities which confront Canadian psychologists. By adopting a collaborative, collegially oriented approach with diverse groups spawning the full spectrum of psychological science and practice, the groundwork has been laid for a confederal system of functionally based cooperation which may be sufficient to maintain cohesion within the Canadian context.

Advancing Health and Wellbeing in the Changing Urban Environment

This book addresses up-to-date urban health issues from a systems perspective and provides an appealing integrated urban development strategy based on a 10-year global interdisciplinary research programme created by the International Council for Science (ICSU), and sponsored by the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the United Nations University (UNU). The unique feature of this book is its “systems approach” to urban health and wellbeing: solution-oriented for science and society and not purely theoretical, it can be applied in the context of decision-making, and has the potential to unlock cities’ unused potential by promoting health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the inter- and transdisciplinary urban issues addressed in this book are examined from a cross-sectoral perspective – e.g. the transport sector is addressed in connection with air pollution, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and the loss of productivity. The interconnected thinking to urban health and wellbeing makes the book a particularly valuable resource. Decision makers in city administrations and civil society organizations from different geographical regions will find the book an informative and inspiring guide for delivering towards the goals of the New Urban Agenda, for which health can be the vital indicator of progress. Graduate students and researchers will be attracted by the case studies, systems methods and models provided in the book.

Annual Report of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS)

The International Union of Psychological Science is an organization composed of National Member organizations (national societies, associations or committees of scientific psychology, national academies of science, or similar organizations), comprising not more than one National Member per country. Eleven charter Members founded IUPsyS in 1951. At December 31, 2010 the number of National Members was 73.

International platform for psychologists. Annual report of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS).

The International Union of Psychological Science is an organization composed of National Member organizations (national societies/associations/committees of scientific psychology, national academies of science, or similar organizations), comprising not more than one National Member per country. Eleven Charter Members founded IUPsyS in 1951. At December 31, 2003 the number of National Members was 70. As a Union, IUPsyS holds membership both in the International Council for Science (ICSU) and in the International Social Science Council (ISSC), special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and consultative status with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) as well as official relations with the World Health Organization.

INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM FOR PSYCHOLOGISTSAnnual Report of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) to the International Council for Science (ICSU)

The International Union of Psychological Science is an organization composed of National Member organizations (national societies/associations/committees of scientific psychology, national academies of science, or similar organizations), comprising not more than one National Member per country. Eleven Charter Members founded IUPsyS in 1951. At December 31, 2003 the number of National Members was 70. As a Union, IUPsyS holds membership both in the International Council for Science (ICSU) and in the International Social Science Council (ISSC), special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and consultative status with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) as well as official relations with the World Health Organization.